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Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

A delicious savoury tear and share Christmas tree made with cheesy ham and puff pastry.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Christmas
Servings 4 servings
Calories 816 kcal

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
  • Fine Cheese Grater
  • Large Baking Tray
  • Baking/Parchment Paper
  • Small Pot & Whisk
  • Seive
  • Brush

Ingredients
  

Tree

  • 2 sheets Puff Pastry (see notes)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard or as needed
  • 12 slices Wafer Thin Ham
  • 150 g Cheddar finely grated (see notes)
  • 1 Egg Egg beaten for egg wash

Mornay Sauce (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 tablespoon Plain Flour
  • 240 ml Milk or as needed (leave at room temp)
  • 60 g Gruyere grated
  • ⅛ teaspoon Salt to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon White Pepper to taste
  • ⅛ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg or to taste

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 200C/400F.
  • Roll out one of the sheets of pastry and leave it on the baking paper. Spread with a layer of mustard then top with the ham, overlapping as needed. Spread over the cheese then place the second sheet of pastry on top. Gently squish everything down with your hands to secure the filling.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the shape of a Christmas tree, then slice out any shapes from the excess pastry you fancy. Keep the stump at the bottom around 4cm/1.5" wide.
  • Slice the branches around 2.5cm/1" wide and make sure you keep space in the centre. Twist each branch a couple of times, or just once as you work closer to the top.
  • Place everything on a baking tray, brush with egg wash then bake for around 15-20 minutes or until deep golden and visibly crisp.
  • For the sauce, melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat then stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually add in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps, then stir in the cheese. Season to taste with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Thin out with milk if needed.
  • Stick the star and baubles on the tree, dust with parmesan then tuck in and enjoy!

Notes

For reference, each sheet of puff pastry used was 14"x9". Ensure the pastry is kept in the fridge until needed for optimal puffing. Use a finer blade for grating cheese for easier branch twisting.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 816kcalCarbohydrates: 54.97gProtein: 20.7gFat: 57.2gSaturated Fat: 17.685gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.51gMonounsaturated Fat: 29.132gTrans Fat: 0.359gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 840mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 1.02gVitamin A: 327IUCalcium: 220mgIron: 3.39mg
Keyword Cheesy Ham Puff Pastry Christmas Tree, Christmas recipes, holiday appetizers, puff pastry recipes, savory pastries, tear and share
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